ORU is Celebrating the Courage of First-Gen Students

ORU, ranked the most diverse university in Oklahoma (Niche)

Tulsa, Okla.—Being a first-generation college student means taking a risk, stepping out of your comfort zone and breaking new barriers. ORU is honoring first-gen students and their courage to be the “first” college graduates in their families. For the sixth annual National First-Generation College Celebration, ORU is recognizing first-generation students, staff, and alums who have been transformed by an ORU education.

According to the Center for First-Generation Student Success, first-generation students make up a third of all college students. These students often face difficult challenges, with about 33% of first-generation students dropping out within three years. Through scholarships, dedicated resources, and ongoing support, ORU is committed to helping these students overcome their challenges and become first-generation graduates.

“Our Quest First Scholarship has provided an opportunity for first-gen students to build a legacy for their family,” said Alison Vujnovic, Vice President, Enrollment Management, “and here at ORU, it’s not just about a degree, it’s about a calling to become a whole leader for the whole world. We recognize the importance of graduating these students because their success in college will impact their future and the next generation.” 

This fall, ORU experienced its 14th consecutive year of enrollment growth, with 35% of the new incoming class being first-generation. ORU is committed to serving these students with the Quest First Scholarship, which is exclusively offered to ORU first-gen students. ORU also offers a First-Gen Quest Day, an event that brings students on-campus to explore the University and provide assistance with the admissions process. To offer a uniquely tailored experience for first-gens, ORU has a track that provides specific sessions to help these students and their families with enrollment.

At ORU, first-gen students and graduates are finding their passion and their ability to impact the world. During the National First-Generation College Celebration, ORU is celebrating these students through highlighting their personal stories. ORU’s first-gen students shared their experience as the first college enrollees in their families:

"To be a first gen, to me, means greater opportunity to reach others,” said Saige Freeman, “from people I choose to help in my profession, to my family. My goal is to show people how good God is and what He can do for those who are willing. To me, I think that this could be an amazing example to people I encounter, including my siblings. As I follow God’s plan for my life, I hope to impact those around me and change the dynamic of my family.”

 

 

 

 

 

"Being a first-gen student can be difficult sometimes,” said Lian No. “It almost feels like you’re winging something you shouldn't. But no matter the circumstance, we have to find the light in the darkness, and for me, my guides have become my parents and my future."

 

 

 

 

“Being a first-generation student in college is a huge deal,” said Leshyria Hawkins. “Most of my family could not and still can’t afford college, but God made it possible for me to be here. It means a lot to me to go to college to do something different for my family and for the glory of God.” 

 

 

 

 

“This experience is truly a chance for me to be totally independent from my family, yet completely dependent on the Lord,” said Serena Kohler, “I can't turn to my parents to get through college life because they don't have this experience, but the Lord will carry me through everything.”

 

 

 

 

“Being a first-gen student is like starting a mile race where every starting point is different for each person,” said Ricardo Fuentes. “Some people in the race might already be halfway to the finish line, and you have two choices: try and run the race or stay at the starting line. I’m sprinting through that whole mile because this race is a culmination of all the sacrifices my parents and family endured to get me there. I’m not the smartest nor the most athletic, but I understand the opportunity I’ve been given, and I’m determined not to let it go to waste.”

 

“To be a first-gen student means your future generations can walk on the foundation you laid for them,” said Karysha Díaz. “A foundation you had to say goodbye to your parents for; a foundation built on every tear, every doubt, and every accomplishment. All this so the next generation can see that there is hope, opportunity, and an abundant future behind the walls you tore down for them. The same concrete from the wall you tore down is the same concrete you use to pave the way for future generations.” 

 

 

 

 

ABOUT ORAL ROBERTS UNIVERSITY

ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with over a decade of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor’s level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 142 nations (from 2019 to 2022) to be whole leaders for the whole world. 

The Wall Street Journal ranked ORU as the #4 university in the nation for student engagement. This ranking is based upon faculty interactions, collaborative learning, critical thinking, real-world applications of student learning, the extent to which classes challenge students, and whether students would recommend a university to others. Niche recognizes ORU as one of the most diverse colleges in America. 

ORU has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as: 

• #1 in Undergraduate Teaching
• #2 in Most International Students
• #3 in Best Value
• #6 in Best College for Veterans
• #7 in Best Regional Colleges in the West.

For more information, visit www.oru.edu.